2 Kings Chapter 15 · Verse 22

Authorized King James Version

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And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב slept H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב slept
Strong's: H7901
Word #: 1 of 8
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
מְנַחֵ֖ם And Menahem H4505
מְנַחֵ֖ם And Menahem
Strong's: H4505
Word #: 2 of 8
menachem, an israelite
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 3 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֑יו with his fathers H1
אֲבֹתָ֑יו with his fathers
Strong's: H1
Word #: 4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ reigned H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ reigned
Strong's: H4427
Word #: 5 of 8
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
פְּקַחְיָ֥ה and Pekahiah H6494
פְּקַחְיָ֥ה and Pekahiah
Strong's: H6494
Word #: 6 of 8
pekachjah, an israelite king
בְנ֖וֹ his son H1121
בְנ֖וֹ his son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃ H8478
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 8 of 8
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis & Commentary

And Menahem slept with his fathers; and Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 15: Political chaos reveals spiritual bankruptcy. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 15 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Rapid Succession and Instability) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection